RE: '74 Spider Engine Removal Help - Tie Bar

["Jeff Greenfield" <alfaguy@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Mike -

You do in fact need to drop one end of the center drag link (tie rod).
Doesn't matter which end. The easiest way to separate the joint without
damage is with a small lever type tie rod separator. A generic one of the
proper size will do fine. A pickle fork will work as well, but will damage
the boot and possibly the joint as well.

Leave the nut on the end of the joint loosely when you use the tool (roughly
even with or a little above the end of the threads). This will protect the
threaded portion of the shaft from becoming deformed.

Twisting the tie rod as you describe is normal and does not indicate any
problems. However, there should be no side to side movement in the joint,
IOW all components should move together as one with no slop in them.

HTH,

Jeff

-----Original Message-----
From: owner-alfa@domain.elided [mailto:owner-alfa@domain.elided] On Behalf Of Mike
Gallagher
Sent: Tuesday, May 06, 2003 11:11 AM
To: alfa-digest@domain.elided
Subject: '74 Spider Engine Removal Help - Tie Bar

Hello all,

I am attempting to remove my 2 liter spider engine.  I9ve got everything
disconnected and the engine ready to come out save one little problem - the
steering tie rod [track rod] is in the way.  The bell housing needs just
less than an inch more clearance.  Is there an easy way to remove or drop
the steering tie rod so the engine has clearance.  What is the best way to
remove or drop the steering tie rod?  If I need to remove it do I need a
special Alfa tool or can I get by with a less expensive generic one?

The tie rod can be twisted about 30 degrees either direction.  Is this
normal?

Thanks for your help.

Thanks,

Mike Gallagher
Irvine, CA

74 Spider
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